Written by Parnall Law Firm reviewed by Bert Parnall
As we approach late spring and summer, more and more motorcycles will be hitting the roads in New Mexico. A motorcycle allows the rider to feel a sense of freedom while riding and soak in picturesque surroundings. While this freedom is vital to the experience of riding, bikers must also remember that they are extremely vulnerable to serious harm if they are involved in an accident – especially one involving another vehicle.that are attractive to bikers.
Certain roads in New Mexico are popular for motorcyclists, and some routes can be more hazardous than others. That’s why the Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyers of Parnall Law have provided this list of popular New Mexico motorcycle routes and the dangers that motorcycle riders may face on them.
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Motorcycle Rides in New Mexico
New Mexico has a significant number of highways and other roads that are attractive to bikers. MotorcycleRoads.com, a website dedicated to providing information about scenic routes, has three five-star-rated routes in our state.
- The Road to Timberon is a 61-mile ride that encompasses New Mexico State Road 244 and U.S. Route 82 that “has plenty of ups and downs.”
- The Trail of the Mountain Spirits Byway (also known as Big Loop for the locals) is a 93-mile ride that begins on New Mexico State Road 152, transitions to New Mexico State Road 35, and ends on New Mexico State Road 15.
- Taos to Mora is a 56-mile ride on U.S. Route 64 before it turns onto New Mexico State Road 434.
DangerousRoads.org, a website that lists dangerous roads all over the world, notes that New Mexico State Road 567 in Taos County is an 11.7-mile stretch that includes asphalt and gravel sections. The website says that pictures do not do justice to “either just how steep this is, how sharp the hairpin turns are, or how narrow the road seems.”
DangerousRoads also notes that conditions can change quickly and be harsh. Road closures are frequent, and riders should research conditions before they attempt to ride through this area.
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The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) lists 27 byways and trails on its list of scenic routes in the state:
- Narrow Gauge Railway Scenic Byway
- Wild Rivers Back Country Byway
- Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway
- La Frontera del Llano
- Jemez Mountain Trail
- Puye Cliffs Scenic Byway
- Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway
- Santa Fe Trail
- Historic Route 66
- Route 66 Pre-1937 Alignment
- Corrales Road Scenic Byway
- Turquoise Trail
- Mesalands Scenic Byway
- Salt Missions Trail
- Abo Pass Trail
- Socorro Historical District Byway
- Quebradas Back Country Byway
- Trail of the Mountain Spirits
- Geronimo Trail
- Lake Valley Back Country Byway
- Billy the Kid Scenic Byway
- Sunspot Scenic Byway
- Guadalupe Back Country Byway
- El Camino Real
- The High Road to Taos
- Trail of the Ancients
- Tracks Across Borders
While the popular roadways are some of the most attractive destinations, motorcycle accidents can occur on other lesser-known local roads in New Mexico as well. Keep in mind lane splitting is illegal in New Mexico.
Top-Rated Motorcycle Rides in New Mexico
Here is some more in-depth information about some popular motorcycle routes in the state.
Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway— Taos
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is two hours from Santa Fe. It is a unique route that allows riders to explore New Mexico’s remote areas, stunning mountain views, and canyon land scenery.
The route loops around the wheeler park, the highest Mountain in New Mexico, going through the rugged terrain with fun twists and switchbacks.
Here’s how you can access the route:
- Starting from Taos, follow the NM-522 N to Questa.
- In Questa, take NM-38 E towards Red River and maintain the road to Eagle Nest.
- Then, take US-64 W out of Eagle Nest back to Taos.
- Before returning to Taos, consider a detour to Angel Fire Off Mountain Blvd. Angel Fire offers a restaurant, gas, and a relaxing room.
Before leaving Taos, fill up your gas, water, and snacks, as there are a few places to refuel along the route.
Attractions along the route include Taos Pueblo, a city constructed by the Native Tiwa people between the 11th and 15th centuries. There are also opportunities to hike, bird watch, and shop for native wares in Eagle Nest.
Sandia Crest
The Sandia Crest Scenic Byway is a 17-mile route that climbs the eastern slope of the Sandia Mountains with an extended series of tight switchbacks to the end of an elevated mile above the city lights of Albuquerque.
The route is paved and open all year round. You may see some wildlife species, including mule deer, black bear, golden eagles, and Rocky Mountain bighorn.
You can access the route by taking NM-536 W to Sandia Crest. Enjoy elevated views of Cibola National Forest. Sudden showers are possible, so pack rain gear.
Route 15— Silver City Heading towards Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Commence your journey at Silver City and take Route 15 north, approximately 45 miles, to Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument. Consider fueling before leaving because just a few gas stations are available along the route.
The views of Route 15 are incredible as the altitude keeps rising. The route allows you to ride through mountain forests of aspen, cliffs, and desert cactus fields. At the end of the ride, you have the golden opportunity to visit cliff dwellings in the park.
Tips for Riding in New Mexico
Wear Protective Gear
Donning protective gear is a highly effective way to protect yourself while exploring New Mexico routes. Wearing an appropriate helmet, gloves, pants, jacket, or boots reduces the impact of falls and collisions on your body.
Helmet use has proved effective in reducing the risk of death by 42 percent and head injury by 69 per cent for riders who crash. More importantly, choose protective gear that fits you properly and complies with applicable safety standards like the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.
Learn Defensive Riding Skills
You’ll need defensive riding skills to anticipate and navigate potential hazards on the road. Defensive riding skills reduce the risk of being involved in a crash and the maintenance cost of the resulting crash.
Here are a few defensive riding skills:
- Stay focused on the road
- Be on the lookout for pedestrians
- Anticipate the actions of other drivers
- Maintain a safe following distance behind other drivers
- Check your blind spots before checking or making turns
- Anticipate the actions of other drivers
- Be aware of your surroundings
Ride Within Your Limits
You should be self-aware when riding on New Mexico roads. Be aware of your capabilities, including speed limits. For instance, refrain from driving if you’re currently taking medication.
Most importantly, take periodic breaks to avoid fatigue-related accidents.
Observe Traffic Laws
Following traffic rules and regulations is another way to protect yourself and other riders in New Mexico motorcycle riding routes. Pay attention to prescribed speed limits, turn signals, and traffic lights as you navigate the roads.
Correct Lane Positioning
Motorcycle riders are vulnerable on the road and must position themselves effectively to enhance their visibility and allow ample space to maneuver.
If you’re riding as a group, the first rider should position themselves in the left lane. The rest of the group should stagger in alternating left and right positions. Most importantly, be aware of your environment by constantly scanning for threats.
Be Prepared for Potential Hazards
Several hazards are unique to riders, making them more vulnerable to road accidents than other drivers.
Keep the following hazards in mind whenever enjoying a ride on New Mexico routes:
Slippery Surfaces
Whenever it rains, roads become rain-soaked and have significantly less traction than dry surfaces. Because of this reduced traction, wet or slippery roads increase the risk of road accidents.
A rider of a two-wheeled motorcycle is susceptible to losing grip and control on a slippery surface. Wet roads and slippery surfaces increase the braking distance, exposing riders to a risk of accidents.
Road Debris
Road debris also puts riders at risk of falls and collisions. Common debris includes rocks, tree branches, and vehicle debris. Riders should continuously monitor the condition of the road and reduce their speed to navigate road debris safely.
Distracted Drivers
The scenic views of New Mexico routes can easily distract drivers, leading to head-on or side-impact collisions. Familiar sources of distractions include driving and texting, grooming, navigating the GPS, and taking on the phone.
Be ready to make a split-second decision because a distracted driver can expose you to danger.
Uneven Roads
You’ll encounter many uneven roads while exploring the scenic views in the remote sections of New Mexico. Since motorcycles are inherently less stable than four-wheeled vehicles, bumpy roads can disrupt contact between tires and the road.
The loss of traction can impede braking, acceleration, or navigating sharp turns, increasing the risk of skidding or toppling.
Inexperienced Drivers
Inexperienced drivers threaten motorcycle riders and other road users in New Mexico. They may forget to check before changing lanes, entering an intersection, making a left turn, or merging onto a highway.
Observing speed limits, regular vehicle maintenance, and being alert can help avoid accidents associated with inexperienced drivers. The three-second rule, which promotes a safe following distance, can protect you from rear-end collisions.
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Did you sustain catastrophic injuries or was your loved one killed in a motorcycle crash in New Mexico? If you are overwhelmed by medical bills and lost wages, you should know that a personal injury lawyer can work to help you seek damages for those and other losses.
Parnall Law handles motorcycle accident cases and other personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis. You do not have to worry about paying us anything unless and until you receive a monetary award.
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